Five

Lucius's POV

The night before had been a haze of regret and alcohol. I recalled screaming at Kiara, her hurt expression seared into my mind. I wanted to go after her, to apologize, but the alcohol weighed down my limbs and dulled my resolve. Instead, I stayed rooted, drowning my guilt in beer until my vision blurred and my legs barely carried me to my room.

When dawn broke, it brought no mercy. My head pounded, my throat dry as sandpaper. Yet the weight of duty was stronger than the hangover. The moment I opened my eyes, my generals were there, lined up outside my chambers like sentinels. They had no interest in my excuses or my shame; the duel was today, and I had a kingdom to defend.

I rose, splashing water on my face to shake off the remnants of the previous night. Kehola, ever the perfectionist, was already waiting in the meeting hall with a polished set of armor.